Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds forecast to peak Sunday across Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iraq faces a wave of increasing rainfall over the coming days, with conditions expected to peak Sunday with moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and winds reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour in some areas, the Meteorology Authority said Friday.

Friday will see partly cloudy skies across all regions, with chances of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in northern and southern areas and parts of central Iraq. Winds will be light at 5–10 km/h. Visibility is expected at 8–10 kilometers, dropping to 5–7 kilometers in the morning due to haze.

Saturday will bring generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain across central and northern Iraq, at times with thunderstorms, and light rainfall in the south. Temperatures will fall slightly in central and northern regions. Visibility is expected at 6–8 kilometers.

Conditions will peak Sunday with “generally cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms.” Winds will be southeasterly, strengthening to 50 km/h in some areas. Visibility will drop to 3–5 kilometers during rainfall.

Monday will see a gradual improvement, with partly cloudy skies and light rain possible in eastern areas before conditions stabilize in the evening. Temperatures will drop slightly in central and northern Iraq.

By Tuesday, clear weather is expected to return, with light to moderate northwesterly winds and visibility of 6–8 kilometers.